🍯 Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Nahl)
🕒 Total Time: 2.5 hours (includes proofing) | 🍽 Makes: 25 small rolls
✅ Ingredients
For the Dough:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 1/4 tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
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2 tbsp sugar
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 cup warm milk
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1/4 cup warm water
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1 egg
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1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
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Extra flour as needed
Filling (optional):
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4–6 pieces of Laughing Cow cheese (or mozzarella cubes)
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OR sweet fillings like dates, Nutella, etc.
Egg Wash:
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1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for brushing)
Sweet Syrup Glaze:
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1/2 cup sugar
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1/4 cup water
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp honey or rosewater (optional)
🔥 Instructions
1. Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, combine warm milk, warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
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Add egg, oil, salt, and flour. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly sticky (use a stand mixer or knead by hand).
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Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled.
2. Prepare Filling:
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Cut cheese into small cubes or prep your chosen filling.
3. Shape the Dough:
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Punch down the dough. Divide into 25 equal balls.
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Flatten each dough ball slightly, add a small piece of filling, and pinch to seal.
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Arrange seam-side down in a greased round or square baking pan in a honeycomb pattern, with slight space between them.
4. Second Rise:
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Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
5. Brush and Bake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
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Brush tops with egg wash.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Make the Syrup Glaze:
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In a small pan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Boil for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in honey or rosewater.
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Let cool slightly.
7. Glaze the Bread:
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Once the bread is out of the oven, brush with warm syrup while it’s still hot.
🍴 Serving Suggestion:
Serve warm for the best texture. Great with tea or coffee!